Hair removing device and method of use

ABSTRACT

Hair removing device ( 200 ) comprising a base member ( 301 ) having two elongate arms ( 302 ) extending outwardly while maintaining a spacing ( 310 ) in between. Two elongate flexible elements ( 311 ) form a twined section ( 304 ) between their first and second ends ( 303 ), ( 305 ) that are secured to the two arms ( 302 ). The twined section ( 304 ) is positioned in the spacing ( 310 ), under a tension. A movable member ( 306 ) extends outwardly from the base member ( 301 ) and is movable relative to the base member ( 301 ) in forward and reverse strokes. The movable member ( 306 ) urges the twined section ( 304 ) to move forward during the forward stroke and releases the twined section ( 304 ) to resiliently retract during the reverse stroke. The twined section ( 304 ) can engage and uproot hair ( 314 ) during the forward stroke.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of hair removingdevices and particularly to devices for uprooting facial hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Removing hair from various parts of the body particularly for cosmeticreasons, is a common practice among women as well as men. Many removehair from the facial area, like for shaping the eyebrows, for clearingthe upper lip hair and for clearing the side cheeks. A common method ofremoving unwanted hair at skin level is by shaving, by using a razor orother types of blades. Shaving however easily cuts the skin and mayrequire daily shaves. The results are often rather short-lived. Besides,this is not a practical method for precisely removing individual hairs.Another method is to apply chemicals to the skin for dissolving orburning out unwanted hair. Such depilation method may however causechemical burns or allergic reactions. Besides, this treatment being onthe surface, the results may be inconsistent or short-lived, requiringfrequent applications of the chemicals. Using such chemicals on the faceis generally too harsh.

Hairs when uprooted from their follicles give a cleaner look and theeffect is more long lasting. Tweezers are often used for uprooting eachhair individually, but is time-consuming and imprecise. Waxing andsugaring involve the application of a wax or sugar solution to the skinand when removed, removes the hair with it. Such methods are imprecise,painful and the top layer of the skin may also get stripped along withthe hair. Threading is a popular method of removing hair from thefollicles, particularly for removing facial hair. Threading requires atrained practitioner to use a twined section of the thread, whilesupporting the thread between her teeth and hands. She manipulates thetwined section in order to engage and uproot the unwanted hairs.Threading is a precise and a gentle method of removing facial hair. Itis less painful than waxing and sugaring, and there are no chemicals orspecial tools required. FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate top views of themechanism of engaging and uprooting hairs (107) from a hairy surface(108) of a body (not shown), by the commonly practiced manual threadingmechanism. A thread (102) with two ends (103) and (104), is twined toform a twined section (105) and a loop (106). The thread (102) ismanually maintained under a tension. The lengths of the two ends (103)and (104), and the size of the loop (106) are manipulated manually tomove the twined section (105) to be closer to the loop (106) as shown inFIG. 1 a and to be closer to the two ends (103) and (104) as shown inFIG. 1 b. The thread (102) under the tension is rested with a pressure,on the hairy surface (108) as shown in FIG. 1 a. As the twined section(105) moves closer to the two ends (103) and (104), hairs (107) getengaged into the moving twined section (105) and uprooted thereafter, asshown in FIG. 1 b. FIG. 1 c shows an enlarged view of a portion of thetwo ends (103) and (104) along with a portion of the twined section(105), for illustrating the mechanism of engaging the hairs (107) withinthe twined section (105) as it moves forward in the direction of theblock arrow. This movement results in uprooting of the hairs (107) alongthe way.

However, threading is an art that generally requires paid service of atrained practitioner. The availability of such service is generallylimited in most countries and often not convenient to access. Severalthreading devices, particularly for self use have been proposed, such asin the patent application GB 2461878, the patent publication US2009/0030430 and the international publications WO 2006/105011, WO2009/148209, and WO 2010/148482.

Particularly for self use, it is desirable to have a threading devicewith simple construction and minimal moving parts particularly on theregion that rests on the face while removing the hair. Such featureswill not only make the device user friendly, but will also enable easiermaintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a simple construction of a hairengagement and removing device particularly for removing facial hair,the device being easy to operate and having minimal moving parts.

In one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a base member, withtwo elongate arms extending outwardly from the base member whilemaintaining a spacing in between the two arms. Two elongate flexiblethreadlike elements, each having a first end and a second end, are inmutually twined engagement to form a twined section between the twofirst and second ends. The two first ends are secured correspondingly tothe two arms on an outer side and the two second ends are securedcorrespondingly to the two arms on an inner side, wherein the twinedsection is positioned in the spacing, under a tension. The outer side isremote from the base member and the inner side is towards the basemember. A substantially rigid movable member extends outwardly from thebase member and is movable relative to the base member in repeatablereciprocating motion of a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. Themovable member urges the twined section to move from the inner side tothe outer side during the forward stroke and releases the twined sectionto resiliently retract to the inner side during the reverse stroke. Whenin use for removing hair, at least a portion of the arms is rested overa hairy surface and the twined section is capable of engaging anduprooting hair(s) during the forward stroke.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises a resilient means forregulating the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the resilient means is a springdisposed between a portion of the base member and a portion of themovable member.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises an electricallyoperable means for regulating the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the base member and the two arms arerelatively so oriented that while use, when the two arms are rested overthe hairy surface, there is enough clearance for a user to convenientlyhold the base member and perform the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, the inner side is so oriented thatwhile use, when the outer side of the two arms are rested over the hairysurface, the inner side substantially remains above the surface suchthat the movable member remains substantially contactless with the hairysurface during the reciprocating motion.

According to another embodiment, for providing high resistance tofrictional wear and tear, at least a portion of the elements is made ofnylon or metal.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the following isdetachable from the base member and is replaceable: a) the arms with theelements secured to the arms, and b) the elements.

According to another embodiment, the device further provides thefollowing as spare parts: a) the arms with the elements secured to thearms, and b) the elements.

According to another embodiment, the movable member is movably coupledto the elements in between the twined section and second ends, such thatduring the reverse stroke, the movable member assists the twined sectionto resiliently retract towards the inner side.

According to another embodiment, the first and second ends are along alower face of the two arms, the lower face being in contact with thehairy surface when using the device. With this feature, the twinedsection makes an enhanced contact with the hairy surface.

According to another embodiment, a kit comprises a plurality of thedevices, that are in varying sizes at any part of the devices, forselective use on various parts of body.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for removing hair by usingthe proposed device is provided. The method is to hold the base memberby a first hand and rest the two arms on a first location of the hairysurface such that at least a part of the twined section particularlytowards the outer end makes contact with the hairy surface. The movablemember is then moved in the reciprocating motion for engaging hair(s) inthe twined section and uprooting them. The steps of resting and movingare conducted a selected number of times at more locations, whileoptionally stretching the hairy surface with a second hand for improvingthe hair engagement.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of performingthe reciprocating motion by a resilient means that is provided betweenthe base member and the movable member. According to an embodiment, theresilient means is a spring disposed between a portion of said basemember and a portion of said movable member.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of performingthe reciprocating motion by an electrically operable means.

According to an embodiment, the method further comprises a step ofreplacing at least one of the following in the device: a) the arms withthe elements secured to the arms, and b) the elements.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of assisting thetwined section to resiliently retract towards the inner side during thereverse stroke, by using the movable member that is movably coupled tothe elements in between the twined section and the second ends.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of selectivelyusing a plurality of the devices on various parts of body, wherein theplurality of the devices are in varying sizes at any part of thedevices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, same reference numbers generally refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, instead emphasis is placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. In the following description, variousembodiments of the present invention are described with reference to thefollowing drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top view for the mechanism of engaging anduprooting hair from a hairy surface of a body, by the means of thecommonly practiced manual threading. Here, the twined section is shownto be closer to a loop of the thread.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the mechanism as described in FIG. 1 a, but withthe twined section shown to be moved closer to the two ends of thethread.

FIG. 1 c shows an enlarged view of a portion of the two ends and aportion of the twined section as described in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, forillustrating the mechanism of engaging the hair within the twinedsection as it moves forward, to result in uprooting of the hair.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of use of the hair removing device,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective view of the hair removing deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention. Herein, the twined sectionis towards an inner side.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the device asillustrated in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 c shows the two elongate flexible threadlike elements, that arein mutually twined engagement to form the twined section between the twofirst and second ends, as shown in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a perspective view of the device as illustrated inFIG. 3 a, when the twined section is moved towards the outer side.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the device asillustrated in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 4 c shows the two elongate flexible threadlike elements, that arein mutually twined engagement to form the twined section between the twofirst and second ends, as shown in FIG. 4 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description presents several preferred embodiments of thepresent invention in sufficient detail such that those skilled in theart can make and use the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention provide a device particularly(though not exclusively) for self use, for engaging and uprooting bodyhair. The device is simple to operate, whether manually or by electricalmeans. The device has a simple construction and has minimal movingparts, particularly in the region resting on the body for removing hair.Hence, the device is particularly suitable for removing facial hair,such as for eyebrow shaping, for clearing upper lip hair and forclearing side cheek hair. Although the device is self usable, it canalso be used on another body, whether for private or for commercialapplication like in beauty parlors.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of use of the device (200), according to anembodiment of the invention. The device (200) is hand held either forself use or for use on another body, while a portion of the device (200)is rested on a hairy surface (202). As indicated by the double sidedarrow, the device (200) is operable by a finger such as the thumb forrepeatedly pressing and releasing.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective view of the device (200) according toan embodiment and FIG. 3 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view ofthe device (200) shown at FIG. 3 a. The device (200) includes a basemember (301), from which two elongate arms (302) extend outwardly whilemaintaining a spacing (310) in between. The device (200) also includestwo elongate flexible threadlike elements (311), each having a first end(303) and a second end (305). The elements (311) are in mutually twinedengagement to form a twined section (304) between the two first andsecond ends (303), (305). FIG. 3 c shows the elements (311), separately.Referring back to FIG. 3 a, the two first ends (303) are securedcorrespondingly to the two arms (302) on an outer side (312) and the twosecond ends (305) are secured correspondingly to the two arms (302) onan inner side (313), such that the twined section (304) is positioned inthe spacing (310) and under a tension. The outer side (312) is definedto be remote from the base member (301) and the inner side (313) isdefined to be towards the base member (301). A substantially rigidmovable member (306) extends outwardly from the base member (301) and ismovable relative to the base member (301) in repeatable reciprocatingmotion of a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The movable member(306) urges the twined section (304) to move from the inner side (313)to the outer side (312) during the forward stroke and releases thetwined section (304) to resiliently retract to the inner side (313)during the reverse stroke. FIGS. 3 a to 3 c illustrate the configurationof the device (200) when the twined section (304) is towards the innerside (313). Correspondingly, FIGS. 4 a to 4 c illustrate theconfiguration of the device (200) when the twined section (304) is movedtowards the outer side (312). The second ends (305) may each terminateon the respective arm (302) or be connected together, similarly thefirst ends (303) may each terminate on the respective arm (302) or beconnected together as shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 3 c and 4 c.However, such connection is unlikely to serve any purpose for theoperation of the device (200).

In use for removing hair (314), when at least the outer side (312) ofthe arms (302) are rested over the hairy surface (202), the twinedsection (304) is capable of engaging and uprooting hair (314) during theforward stroke. A resilient means (307) is shown between the base member(301) and the movable member (306) for regulating the reciprocatingmotion. In this embodiment, the resilient means (307) is a springdisposed between a portion of the base member (301) and a portion of themovable member (306). In this embodiment, the movable member (306) isshown to have a cap (308), that can be pressed manually to compress theresilient means (307) and allow the forward stroke. Upon release of thecap (308), the resilient means (307) retracts to allow the reversestroke.

The base member (301) and the two arms (302) are relatively so orientedthat while use, when the two arms (302) are rested over the hairysurface (202), there is enough clearance (316) as illustrated in FIGS. 3b and 4 b, for a user to conveniently hold the base member (301) andperform the reciprocating motion. In this embodiment, the inner side(313) is also so oriented that while use, when the outer side (312) ofthe two arms (302) is rested over the hairy surface (202), the innerside (313) remains substantially above the hairy surface (202) such thatthe movable member (306) remains substantially contactless with thehairy surface (202) during the reciprocating motion. This feature makesthe use of the device (200) more convenient, as the movable member (306)does not rub on the hairy surface (202) during the repeatedreciprocating motions.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the device (200) isoperable by an electrical means such as a motor, for regulating thereciprocating motion. The user may operate a switch to regulate theoperation of the motor instead of pressing and releasing the cap (308).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base member (301) is shownin a cylindrical shape, that is generally convenient to hold by hand.However, according to other embodiments, other shapes may equally beused. The dimensions of the cylinder may be just large enough for aconvenient grip by hand. Smaller sizes are of convenience particularlywhen the device (200) is for use with precision, as for example in caseof shaping the eyebrows. The base member (301) may have a hollowstructure for reducing weight. The material may desirably have enoughrigidity such that it does not collapse while holding and performing thereciprocating motion.

In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, 4 b, the centralregion of the movable member (306) passes through the cylindrical basemember (301) axially, while the two end regions are protruding out ofthe base member (301). As shown, one end region urges the twined section(304) to move to the outer side (312) and the other end is used foraccommodating the resilient means (307) and the cap (308). In operation,as an example, the cap (308) may be pressed with the thumb for theforward stroke and released for the reverse stroke, while holding thebase member (301) between other fingers. According to other embodiments,other arrangements for causing the relative motion between the basemember (301) and the movable member (306) may equally be used. Thematerial and dimensions for the movable member (306) need to provideenough rigidity for its operation.

In this embodiment, the movable member (306) is movably coupled to theelements (311) in between the twined section (304) and second ends(305), by a guide (309) such that during the reverse stroke, the movablemember (306) assists the twined section (304) to resiliently retracttowards the inner side (313). Besides, the guide (309) also assists themovable member (306) to have better control when urging the twinedsection (304) during the forward stroke. The guide (309) may preferablybe of a simple design, such that it can be easily slipped over thesecond ends (305) for the coupling, particularly when the elements (311)and the arms (302) with the elements (311) secured to them aredetachable and replaceable.

According to various embodiments, the elements (311) are made of nylonor metal for providing substantially high resistance to the frictionalwear and tear that is likely to occur due to the repeated forward andreverse strokes, while also having high resilience or elasticity.According to other embodiments, other materials that are suitable toserve this purpose may also be used.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the following is detachableand replaceable: a) the arms (302) with the elements (311) secured tothe arms (302), and b) the elements (311). The device (200) may also beprovided with the following as spare parts: a) the arms (302) with theelements (311) secured to the arms (302), and b) the elements (311).Replacing the elements (311) would need adjusting the tension as well.Directions may need to be provided for the user to adjust the tensionappropriately, without which the device (200) would not functionproperly. Alternatively, the device (200) as a whole may be used as adisposable item, that can be used a few times and replaced with a newone, such as when the elements (311) lose the required elasticity orbreak.

As shown in FIGS. 3 b and 4 b, in this embodiment, the first and secondends (303), (305) are secured to the arms (302) on a lower face (317) asindicated by the block arrow, where the lower face (317) is the one tomake contact with the hairy surface (202) while using the device (200).This helps the twined section (304) to make an enhanced contact with thehairy surface (202), which is desirable for engaging hair (314) anduprooting. According to an alternate embodiment (not shown), when thelower face (317) makes contact with the hairy surface (202), if theelements (311) are positioned higher on the hairy surface (202) theperformance of the device (200) is likely to suffer.

According to another embodiment (not shown), a kit comprises a pluralityof the devices (200) in varying dimensions at any part, for selectiveuse on various parts of the body. For example, for use on the face, thevarious dimensions for the device (200) may be smaller such that thelength of the forward stroke is smaller than for the device (200) thatis usable on other parts of the body.

The base member (301) is held by a first hand, while resting said twoarms (302) on a first location on said hairy surface (202) such that atleast a part of said twined section (304) particularly towards the outerend (312) makes contact with said hairy surface (202). The movablemember (306) is then moved in said reciprocating motion, for engaginghair (314) in said twined section (304) and uprooting said hair (314).The steps of resting and moving may be conducted a selected number oftimes at more locations, while optionally stretching said hairy surface(202) with a second hand, for improving said hair engagement.

The two arms (302) may desirably be of minimum possible thickness andwidth, for the convenience of resting over the hairy surface (202),particularly during precise removal of hair (314). However, thethickness and the width need to provide the required mechanical strengthto withstand the pressure when these are rested on the hairy surface(202). The two arms (302) may be longer or the spacing (310) may bewider for use on areas for non-precise removal of hair(s) (314). The twoarms (302) may be composed of metal or polymer or any other suitablematerial.

Since the elements (311) are under tension when secured to the two arms(302), during the forward stroke, the twined section (304) can be movedforward by only a limited length. Hence, the length for the forwardstroke should be maintained within this limit, such that the elements(311) do not break or lose their resilience too fast. The elements (311)need to be of a material of substantially high elasticity or resilience.In this embodiment, the length of the end of the movable member (306)that accommodates the resilient member (307) and the cap (308),automatically regulates a predetermined length for the forward stroke.

During the construction of the device (200), the relative dimensions forthe lengths of the two arms (302), the length of the twined section(304) and the spacing (310) may be optimized for the material of thetwined section (304) used, for a maximum achievable length of theforward movement of the twined section (304) during the forward stroke.This would help remove more hairs (314) in a single forward stroke. Fora given length of the two arms (302), smaller the spacing (310), lesseris the acute angle between the two first ends (303) and easier it is forthe twined section (304) to move forward during the forward stroke.Smaller lengths for the two arms (302) and smaller spacing (310) arealso desirable for the device (200) when used for removing facial hair(314) such as for shaping the eyebrows and clearing the upper lip. Whileuse, the cap (308) may as well be pressed to achieve a partial length ofthe forward stroke, particularly for precise hair removal.

The main challenge regarding the construction of this device (200) isthe elastic property of the elements (311), that would determine theirlifetime for use. Achieving longer lengths of the forward stroke forremoving more hairs (314) in the same forward stroke is likely to be atthe cost of the lifetime of the elements (311).

The foregoing description presents a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatmany variations or modifications in details of design, construction andoperation may be made without departing from the present invention asdefined in the claims. The scope of the invention is as indicated by theappended claims and all changes that come within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. A hair engagement and removing device (200), comprising: a basemember (301); two elongate arms (302) extending outwardly from said basemember (301) while maintaining a spacing (310) in between said two arms(302); two elongate flexible threadlike elements (311), each having afirst end (303) and a second end (305), said two elements (311) being inmutually twined engagement to form a twined section (304) between saidtwo first and second ends (303), (305), said two first ends (303) beingsecured correspondingly to said two arms (302) on an outer side (312)and said two second ends (305) being secured correspondingly to said twoarms (302) on an inner side (313), wherein said twined section (304) ispositioned in said spacing (310) under a tension, said outer side (312)being remote from said base member (301) and said inner side (313) beingtowards said base member (301); and a substantially rigid movable member(306) extending outwardly from said base member (301) and being movablerelative to said base member (301) in repeatable reciprocating motion ofa forward stroke and a reverse stroke, wherein said movable member (306)urges said twined section (304) to move from said inner side (313) tosaid outer side (312) during said forward stroke and releases saidtwined section (304) to resiliently retract to said inner side (313)during said reverse stroke, wherein in use for removing hair (314), whenat least a portion of said arms (302) is rested over a hairy surface(202), said twined section (304) is capable of engaging and uprootinghair (314) during said forward stroke.
 2. The device (200) according toclaim 1 comprising a resilient means (307) for regulating saidreciprocating motion.
 3. The device (200) according to claim 2, whereinsaid resilient means (307) is a spring disposed between a portion ofsaid base member (301) and a portion of said movable member (306). 4.The device (200) according to claim 1 further comprising an electricallyoperable means for regulating said reciprocating motion.
 5. The device(200) according to claim 1 wherein said base member (301) and said twoarms (302) are relatively so oriented that while use, when said two arms(302) are rested over said hairy surface (202), there is enoughclearance (316) for a user to conveniently hold said base member (301)and perform said reciprocating motion.
 6. The device (200) according toclaim 1 wherein said inner side (313) is so oriented that while use,when said outer side (312) is rested over said hairy surface (202), saidinner side (313) remains substantially above said hairy surface (202),such that said movable member (306) remains substantially contactlesswith said hairy surface (202) during said reciprocating motion.
 7. Thedevice (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of saidelements (311) is made of one of the following two materials: nylon andmetal.
 8. The device (200) according to claim 1 wherein at least one ofthe following is detachable and replaceable: a) said arms (302) withsaid elements (311) secured to said arms (302), and b) said elements(311).
 9. The device (200) according to claim 8 further providing thefollowing as spare parts: a) said arms (302) with said elements (311)secured to said arms (302), and b) said elements (311).
 10. The device(200) according to claim 1 wherein said movable member (306) is movablycoupled to said elements (311) in between said twined section (304) andsaid second ends (305), such that during said reverse stroke, saidmovable member (306) assists said twined section (304) to resilientlyretract towards said inner side (313).
 11. The device (200) according toclaim 1 wherein said first and second ends (303), (305) are along alower face (317) of said arms (302) such that said twined section (304)makes an enhanced contact with said hairy surface (202), wherein atleast a portion of said lower face (317) makes contact with said hairysurface (202) when said arms (302) are rested over said hairy surface(202).
 12. A kit comprising a plurality of devices (200) according toclaim 1, wherein said plurality of devices (200) are in varyingdimensions at any part of said devices (200), for selective use onvarious parts of body.
 13. A method of removing hair (314) by using saiddevice (200) according to claim 1, said method comprising: holding saidbase member (301) by a first hand; resting said two arms (302) on afirst location of said hairy surface (202) such that at least a part ofsaid twined section (304) particularly towards said outer end (312)makes contact with said hairy surface (202); moving said movable member(306) in said reciprocating motion for engaging said hair (314) in saidtwined section (304) and uprooting said hair (314); and conducting saidsteps of resting and moving a selected number of times at morelocations, while optionally stretching said hairy surface (202) with asecond hand for improving said engagement.
 14. The method according toclaim 13 comprising a step of: regulating said reciprocating motion by aresilient means (307) that is provided between said base member (301)and said movable member (306).
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein said resilient means (307) is a spring disposed between aportion of said base member (301) and a portion of said movable member(306).
 16. The method according to claim 13 comprising a step of:regulating said reciprocating motion by an electrically operable means.17. The method according to claim 13 further comprising a step of:replacing at least one of the following, in said device (200): a) saidarms (302) with said elements (311) secured to said arms (302), and b)said elements (311).
 18. The method according to claim 13 comprising astep of: assisting said twined section (304) to resiliently retracttowards said inner side (313) during said reverse stroke, by using saidmovable member (306) that is movably coupled to said elements (311) inbetween said twined section (304) and said second ends (305).
 19. Amethod according to claim 13 comprising a step of: selectively using aplurality of said devices (200) on various parts of the body, whereinsaid devices (200) are in varying sizes at any part of said devices(200).